IRB review is essential for ethical research, but it is not always easy. You may have faced this situation: you submit your study and wait days or even weeks without a clear update. Maybe you have had little or no information on where your submission stood or have been met with silence or an auto-response when you needed answers from a real person.
What if instead, you partnered with an IRB where you got a response from a human within 24 hours? What if that response did not just acknowledge your submission, but proactively guided you through the next steps? What if you could count on total transparency and knew experienced professionals would anticipate your needs before you even had to ask? Delivering this difference is Sterling IRB’s mission.
We center clear communication, efficient operations, and a human touch to create a smoother, faster, and more predictable IRB process. From the first point of contact, you will work with a dedicated team that knows your research, understands the nuances of your submission, and stays with you for the long haul.
Where the IRB Status Quo Falls Short
Some of the IRB challenges we hear most often include:
- Timelines do not match expectations: Some IRBs promise fast turnaround times, but the reality may be a longer wait than what researchers were sold on
- There is a lack of clear communication: After a submission, it may be unclear where the process stands and if more information is needed
- It is hard to reach a real person: It may be difficult to get the IRB on the phone or receive any kind of response
- With high turnover, experience is inconsistent: When staff changes frequently, researchers do not always have a knowledgeable point of contact
These challenges slow down research, but there is good news: IRB review does not have to feel like sending documents into a black hole.
A Better Way Forward
Sterling IRB makes the IRB process clear, efficient, and predictable with a personalized approach from the start. We pair you with a dedicated account manager and skilled operations team who understand the research process and provide real-time support. Our team has been together for years, with average tenure of 12.8 years for account managers, 23 years for directors, 12 years for department managers, and 9.25 for overall administrative staff. Combining this retention and collaboration with daily IRB meetings means submissions move forward smoothly. You will always know where your study stands and what to expect next, without delays or confusion.
Here, experience and communication go hand in hand. You will never be left to figure things out alone. Instead, you will have a team that guides you through the process, understands your needs, and helps keep your timeline on track.
What Does a More Human IRB Process Look Like?
At its core, a more human approach to IRB review replaces a black box of confusing submissions with a true collaboration. Once you submit your document, you will hear from a real person within 24 hours. You will never have to wonder if a request has been lost in the system, because a dedicated account manager will update you on the process.
Our team goes beyond checking boxes. We help structure submissions strategically to prevent unnecessary obstacles. Thanks to our extensive industry experience, we understand how your submissions may impact future amendments, new sites, and translations. By helping you structure submissions more efficiently, we can save you time and money.
A Smarter Approach to Innovation
Sterling IRB embraces innovation where it increases efficiency, but personal connection is still the foundation of our process. While some IRBs focus on flashy new systems that limit direct interaction, we use technology as a support with human expertise in the driver’s seat. Our team listens to client feedback, refines processes, and makes thoughtful improvements that enhance both speed and service.
As research evolves, especially in emerging areas like artificial intelligence and medical device development, early and regular collaboration with an IRB is more essential than ever. Sterling IRB helps researchers navigate new regulatory landscapes by ensuring they have the right experts involved from day one. By combining deep expertise with responsive support, we adapt to any kind of research, including the cutting edge of new treatments.
Choose a Dedicated IRB
Sterling IRB provides the expertise, transparency, and personal support you need for a smooth and efficient IRB process. Whether your research is well-established or exploring new frontiers, our team is ready to collaborate and keep your study moving forward.
Contact us to get started.